The Minnesota Timberwolves have set a date to honor one of their greatest players. The Minnesota Timberwolves announced that Kevin Garnett’s No. 21 jersey will be retired during a special ceremony on Feb. 28, 2027, at the Target Center.
This long-awaited event comes over a decade after Garnett hung up his sneakers, and follows years of him opting out of any formal recognition. Interestingly, the Boston Celtics will be in town that evening, bringing together the two franchises that defined his NBA journey.
Kevin Garnett and the Timberwolves Reconcile
Garnett played his first 12 seasons in Minnesota, becoming the face of the franchise and elevating its status across the league. Although his No. 21 has never been officially retired, no other player has worn it since he departed in 2007.
For a long time, Garnett avoided any ceremony due to lingering tension with former owner Glen Taylor. That friction stemmed from talks about Garnett acquiring a minority stake in the team after he returned for the final stretch of his career.
Garnett rejoined the Timberwolves in 2014-15 and intended to finish his playing days in 2015-16 under coach Flip Saunders. Following Saunders’ passing, Minnesota bought out Garnett’s contract, and his rapport with Taylor soured considerably.
Jersey Retirement for Timberwolves No. 21 Gets a Date
Taylor eventually sold the Timberwolves to a group led by Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez last year, after a legal battle where he tried to back out of the agreement. This ownership shift changed the dynamic, paving the way for Garnett’s return to the organization.
Garnett was soon brought back in a non-playing capacity and made his first public appearance at the Target Center on April 12, 2026. That appearance helped set the stage for the long-overdue retirement of his jersey.
The ceremony is slated for Feb. 28, coinciding with a visit from Boston. Garnett’s No. 5 is already retired by the Celtics at TD Garden, where he secured his lone NBA title in 2008, making this matchup a fitting tribute to his storied career.
Kevin Garnett’s Impact on the Timberwolves
Garnett racked up 10 All-Star nods and eight All-NBA selections, while earning his sole MVP award during his initial run with Minnesota. He guided the Timberwolves to their first playoff berth in 1997 and kept them in contention for the next eight seasons.
The pinnacle arrived in 2004, when Minnesota advanced to the Western Conference Finals. That marked the franchise’s last postseason appearance with Garnett, who was dealt to Boston in the summer of 2007.
His statistical footprint remains unmatched in team history. Garnett leads the Timberwolves in career points, rebounds, assists, blocks, and steals.
Timberwolves Fans Finally See Garnett’s Jersey Retired
The prolonged delay for an official ceremony had tested the patience of many Timberwolves supporters, yet Garnett’s refusal to stand alongside Taylor was largely supported by the local fanbase. His stance mirrored the fierce determination that characterized his playing style.
With new ownership in place and relationships mended, Garnett can now celebrate his achievements with the Timberwolves faithful. More than ten years after his retirement, No. 21 is finally poised to take its rightful place in the Target Center rafters.
